Team Conrad Vs. Team Jeremiah: Unpacking The Summer I Turned Pretty's Iconic Love Triangle

"The Summer I Turned Pretty," Prime Video's beloved adaptation of Jenny Han's bestselling novels, has captivated audiences worldwide with its sun-drenched setting, coming-of-age drama, and, most notably, its central love triangle. This romantic drama has quickly become a fan favorite, causing emotional whiplash and dividing the world into passionate camps: Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. As Belly Conklin navigates her feelings for the two Fisher brothers, fans have found themselves deeply invested, choosing sides and debating who Belly should ultimately choose. The show, known for its ability to spark intense discussions, perfectly encapsulates the complexities of first love, family bonds, and self-discovery.

The Heart of the Debate: Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah

At its core, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" revolves around Isabel "Belly" Conklin and her annual summers at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family. Belly has grown up alongside brothers Conrad and Jeremiah, and as she blossoms into a young woman, her relationships with both boys evolve into something more profound. Fans have followed Belly Conklin through her ups and downs with Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, the brothers who both have feelings for her. This dynamic creates a compelling narrative, as Belly finds herself torn between two very different, yet equally appealing, paths. The series masterfully portrays the excitement, confusion, and heartache that comes with navigating a love triangle, making it incredibly relatable for viewers. From the very beginning, when Belly arrives at Cousins during the pilot, both Conrad and Jeremiah are immediately part of her world, setting the stage for the complicated romantic entanglements to come. The debate over who Belly should choose is bigger than ever, fueling countless online discussions and analyses.

Team Conrad: The Allure of the Brooding First Love

Conrad Fisher, the elder of the two brothers, often embodies the trope of the brooding, complex first love. He's the boy Belly has harbored a crush on since childhood, the one who represents a deeper, more intense connection. Their relationship is characterized by significant emotional depth and shared history. In the final scene of season 1, Belly and Conrad confess their feelings for each other, a moment that left many fans breathless. Conrad tells her that he “needs” and “wants” her, solidifying their mutual affection. This confession marked a pivotal point, seemingly bringing Belly's long-held dreams to fruition. Fans often argue that Belly and Conrad have a deeper connection and relationship. Their bond is built on understanding and shared vulnerabilities. For instance, during a flashback in episode three of season two, we watch as Conrad, in the middle of a panic attack, fails to keep it together. Belly, a teenage girl who... is there for him, highlighting her empathy and their profound understanding of each other. Even early on, Belly senses something is off with him, demonstrating her acute awareness of his emotional state. This suggests that Conrad understands Belly in a way that Jeremiah, perhaps, does not, or at least not with the same intensity. Despite their deep connection, their path is not without its challenges. Conrad, while kind-hearted, sometimes uses Belly as an emotional anchor, particularly when he's struggling. His struggles, often internalized, can make their relationship tumultuous, yet for many, this complexity is precisely what makes their bond so compelling. In Jenny Han's books, for those who consult "who Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, and the rest of the characters from Amazon Prime Video's 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' end up with," Belly ultimately chooses Conrad, a fact that gives Team Conrad fans a strong argument.

Team Jeremiah: The Charm of the Golden Retriever Boyfriend

Jeremiah Fisher, the younger brother, offers a stark contrast to Conrad. He's often described as the "golden retriever" boyfriend – sunny, playful, and always there to make Belly smile. Jeremiah and Belly’s love is more spirited and playful, filled with laughter, spontaneous adventures, and a palpable sense of fun. Their relationship often feels lighter and more overtly joyful. In "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Season 2, a significant turning point occurs when Belly chooses Jeremiah over Conrad, marking the beginning of their relationship. This decision was a major shift for many viewers, especially those familiar with the books. Throughout Season 2, we see Belly and Jeremiah casually dating, exploring their connection in a more open and carefree way. The show has also given viewers more insight into Jeremiah's perspective; as the data suggests, "since we got an entire episode circling around jere’s thoughts we also get" a deeper understanding of his feelings and motivations, making his character more robust than perhaps he was perceived in the initial book. The first teaser for season 3 of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" further cements their relationship, showing "love is in the air for Belly (Lola Tung) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), whom she chose over Conrad (Christopher Briney)." This visual confirmation of their current dynamic excites Team Jeremiah fans, who appreciate his consistent devotion and the apparent ease of their relationship.

Beyond Romance: The Brothers' Bond and Show vs. Book Differences

While the love triangle dominates much of the discussion, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" also explores the complex relationships within the Fisher family, particularly between Conrad and Jeremiah.

The Fisher Brothers' Dynamic

The brothers' relationship isn't always smooth sailing, especially with Belly in the picture. Jeremiah and Conrad, who have been slightly estranged since Conrad began dating Belly, eventually apologize to each other and promise to work on their bond. This moment of reconciliation is crucial, showing that despite their romantic rivalry, their fraternal love and shared history are deeply important. Beyond their romantic entanglements, the series also delves into their collective struggle to grieve the boys’ mother, Susannah, adding another layer of emotional depth to their characters and their interactions with Belly.

Books vs. Show: A Divergent Path?

One of the most fascinating aspects for fans is how "The Summer I Turned Pretty" books and the show differ from each other. In "The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1, which Amazon adapted from the first book, Belly is torn between Conrad and Jeremiah but ultimately chooses to be with Conrad." This aligns with the first book's ending. However, the show took a different turn in Season 2, where "Belly chooses Jeremiah over Conrad." This significant deviation has intensified the "Team Jeremiah vs. Team Conrad" debate, making the show's future more unpredictable for even seasoned book readers. This divergence has only fueled the anticipation for Season 3, "being the" culmination of this beloved story. With "Belly and the boys will be returning to Cousins for the last time," fans are on the edge of their seats to see how the show will conclude Belly's journey and who she will ultimately end up with, especially since the show has already veered from the established book ending.

What Your Choice Says About You

The intense fan division between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah is more than just about who Belly should pick; it's often a reflection of what viewers value in a relationship. As "An expert breaks down what 'Team Jeremiah' or 'Team Conrad' says about you," choosing a side can reveal personal preferences for certain romantic archetypes. Are you drawn to the passionate, challenging intensity of a first love that requires growth and understanding (Team Conrad)? Or do you prefer the comforting, joyful, and outwardly supportive nature of a partner who makes you feel seen and happy (Team Jeremiah)? This debate is bigger than ever, touching upon fundamental questions about love, compatibility, and personal fulfillment. In conclusion, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" has successfully captured the hearts of millions, largely due to its compelling love triangle featuring Conrad and Jeremiah. The show's ability to create such a passionate divide among its viewers speaks volumes about the well-developed characters and the relatable dilemmas they face. From the deep, complex connection with Conrad to the spirited, playful romance with Jeremiah, Belly's journey is a testament to the messy, beautiful reality of growing up and falling in love. As Season 3 approaches, the anticipation builds, promising a final chapter that will undoubtedly leave fans talking long after the credits roll, regardless of whether they are rooting for Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah.